rocky mountain seniors ski club ski tracks...golfing eager golfers have turned up on mondays to tee...

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SENIORS SKI CLUB! JUNE 1, 2013

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2013 ! Issue 4

SKI TRACKSThis issue generously sponsored by

redbike

2013 AGM - PRESIDENT’S ADDRESSI am pleased to report that our club has had another active and successful year. We supported eight ski tours, golfing and biking in the summer, a golf tournament and a bike tour. Social activities included the spring and fall banquets and a summer picnic as well as our regular Tuesdays on the ski hill. We currently have 480 Members with 200 signed up for biking and 60 for golfing this summer. Because we have many new Members, I thought it would be helpful to take a few minutes to review the objectives of our club. Also, to provide the Membership a brief background of the club and overview of our administrative processes. The objectives of our Club are:

1. To promote affordable alpine skiing for skiers who are 55 years and older;

2. To negotiate Members’ discounts at ski resorts, ski shops, accommodation providers and other service providers;

3. To organize group tours to ski resorts for the Members;4. To promote fellowship among Members;5. To encourage Members to continue alpine skiing as

they advance in age;6. To promote opportunities to help Members to improve

their skiing skills;7. To promote year around activities that contribute to the

social and physical well- being of the Membership; and

8. To raise funds to achieve the objectives of the society.These objectives are a reflection of the intention of the Founding Members to create an inclusive organization with year around activities.

In the early 1990’s, skiers from the Edmonton area began participating in ski tours organized by the Seniors Alpine Ski Club based in Calgary. By the year 2000, the Edmonton group became formally affiliated with the Calgary group as a branch of the Seniors Alpine Ski Club. There were about 150 Edmonton Members at that time. By 2007, Edmonton carried about 45% of the Membership of the Alberta Club yet had limited participation on the board. Importantly, the Calgary Club did not want to participate in summer activities. So, in 2007, many of the people in this room today led the formation of our Club by passing a motion to register the Edmonton group as an independent organization under the Alberta Societies Act.The strong foundation of practices, policies, and procedures developed by the founding group guide us today.

As we matured we were able to fully fund two funds setup by the original Executive; the event reserve fund and the cancellation fund. Both funds are intended to protect the Membership in the event of unexpected losses arising out of participation in Club events. The event reserve fund is directed toward large amounts of cash necessary to confirm transportation, accommodations, and lift tickets. The purpose of the cancellation fund is to reimburse individuals who encounter difficulties resulting in a financial loss, usually on overnight trips. The Club also established an insurance program to protect Members up to age 80 in the event of accidents while participating in Club sanctioned events. You are reminded that this is a very basic policy and it should not be considered your primary plan. After age 80, the cost of group coverage is prohibitive and none is provided. Finally we have a director’s liability plan which protects your volunteer Executive in the event some person or agency decides to make a claim against the Executive of the Club. All of our reporting and financial controls follow the requirements of the Alberta Societies Act.

Addressing current activities and with appreciation of the work and dedication of the entire Executive I would like to extend my personal appreciation to Norma, Susan, Pat and Bill, and Carl, who will be leaving the Executive this year having completed their terms. We thank you again for your service.In addition to the Executive there are many other volunteers; two of these, Robbie Steen and Don Gaylard are stepping down after many years as our auditors. Thank you both for your support and considered guidance.

We also wish to to thank all the tour hosts and on hill volunteers. They will be recognized by the different coordinators as they give their reports. You are all so important to the Club. All of our activities are guided by the objectives of the club and we trust the Membership will agree that we met our objectives for the past year.

Brian McClelland

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Membership Newssubmitted by Anke Seifried

The following is a summary of the Membership presentation made at the AGM, held Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at Snow Valley along with some observations:

We have 480 Members for the 2012 – 2013 ski season as of this spring of which 80 are new Members. Just about all have email addresses or have an “email buddy”, who keeps them in the loop by phone. In addition, we have Bob Larsson, who has printed the Newsletter and mailed it to the approximately one dozen non-computer Club Members during the 2012 - 2013 ski season. To continue this service for 2013 - 2014, we need a volunteer, who will take over from Bob (costs for the service are picked up by the Club upon submission of receipts).Our traditional Club Buddy system is well established – and the current Club Buddies received thanks from the Club:

Klaus Kyritz Gaye Carter Ursula MaydellArt RobinsonJoAnn Grand Velma ChildsLinda Porter Lorne McMullen Céleste ZurbriggBob Reid Madeleine Shalansky

John ZurbriggBob Rose Max Mayer Laurie McClellandDonna Vine

Byron Jonah and Bob Reid were thanked since they took on the job of button making at local events and on ski trips. And particular thanks went to Laurie McClelland, who took on the role of “Buddy Ambassador”, welcoming New Members and offering to link up New Members and veteran Members.

During the 2012 – 2013 ski season, we held the customary Club Information Session on October 25, 2012. 300 Club Members renewed and 40 new Members joined; we hope to do “better” at the coming October Session and see many more preregistering and picking up their badges. This was followed by the Welcome to Winter Day on November 20th with over 100 of our Members present. Both events were held at Snow Valley. At the second event, there was even snow on the ground providing an opportunity to try out demo skis, receive pointers and free ski instruction – for example a taste of synchro skiing. The

efforts of the Snow Valley Training Centre, the Snow Rider Shop and the binding testers in the rental area were much appreciated and deserve recognition. New Members Day was held on February 5 with 120 of our Members present, again at Snow Valley with emphasis on indoor refreshments and outdoor media presence. The staff of Snow Valley’s Catering Division were thanked for the superb refreshments we have come to expect and enjoy at all our events.

These three events and the regular Tuesday ski at Snow Valley will happen again next season – so, please keep your computers tuned and the inboxes NOT overloaded for the “Skiing Scoops”.

The Membership increase we have observed comes from an increase in renewing Members (new Members are holding steady at 80). For this, we need to thank the efforts made on behalf of the Club in the past year and years, which is a tradition we will strive to continue.


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SPECIAL ACTIVITIES by Shirley Powell

Biking The 2013 Biking Season has had a very good start with great weather encouraging members to come out in record numbers. We have 193 members registered todate. If you wish to receive the monthly bike schedules please contact Shirley and Doug at [email protected].

We do need trip leaders to keep up with the growing popularity of our rides. Please consider volunteering for this. Contact the monthly trip coordinator:May: Lois SwaneJune; Arnie StoneJuly: Lynn SkillenAugust: Art MathisonSeptember: Mike Tansey

Harold Knopke provided a well received and enjoyed 4 session program (Bike Again!) for cyclists interested in refreshing their skills.

Canmore Mountain ExcursionThe annual Canmore Mountain excursion is planned

for June 17 - 20 and will be hosted by Barb Fowler and Joan Stirling. Trip Information has been sent to all Club members. For more information contact Barb at (780) 467-4340 or email her at [email protected]

GolfingEager golfers have turned up on Mondays to tee off at a variety of golf clubs in the Edmonton area.

Golf Tournament Art Switner will organize this year’s golf tournament to be held September 18, 2013.

Essential Bike Safety Reminders from Doug and Shirley:

Here are a few pointers on bike safety, etiquette, and better bike practices that one of our members shared with us:

(1) Ride on the right - I see a lot of people wandering into the center of the roadway or path exposing themselves and others to hazards.

(2) If you have to stop stay right - we have a couple of people that bonk on uphill stretches and just before they stall out they pull left, blocking

the passing area and bringing everyone behind them to a grinding halt on a steep uphill.

(3) A few people still don't know how to use their gears and are trying to climb in a large front chain ring - need a little more emphasis on cadence, why one wants to maintain it and how gearing accomplishes it.

Enjoy!Cheers,Doug and Shirley

mailto:[email protected]





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Those who attended the spring dinner at Snow Valley on May 15th experienced something special: a really delicious smorgasbord. 150 Members and their guests enjoyed the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the lodge

and an extensive and tasty variety of dishes. The Club’s president, Brian McClelland, greeted us at the door with a smile and a handshake. During his talk he acknowledged and thanked the outgoing Executive members and introduced the incoming and standing Executive.

Snow Valley’s catering manager, Dan, and his staff, expertly and efficiently kept the food coming and the empty plates going. Heather, the vivacious bartender,

kept our glasses topped up. The conversations were varied and the laughter was plentiful. A great evening!

by Susan Hall

Rocky Mountain Seniors Ski Club Spring Dinner

What’s Coming Up?

Biking Tues. and Thurs.

Golfing Mondays

Canmore Bike Ride June 17-20

Numerous special rides

Golf Tournament Wed. Sep. 18

CLUB BAR-‐B-‐Q

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013 Rain or ShineSnow Valley LodgeCocktails at 4 p.m.Dinner at 4:30

Ticket Deadline $15/person by June 28th

Guests WelcomeTickets available by mailing a cheque payable to RMSSC to

Barb Fowler62 Summercourt Road

Sherwood Park, AB, T8H 2V9


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Brompton Way

Would you be interested in a compact, strong, folding bike that could be stowed in a small case, for cycling on pavement and maintained bicycle paths? Brompton specializes in such bikes. They are used for commuting, exploring, and for reliable transportation from your parked airplane, motorhome, or B&B. Your bike can be custom built with two different frames, four different gearing systems, three choices of lighting, four options for handlebars, and many different colours just to mention some of the possibilities. Depending on your accessories they range in weight from 20 to 28 pounds (9 to 13 kg). The folded size is 58.5 cm wide, 56.5 cm high and 27 cm deep. If you like the idea of flexibility, personalized accessories, and less hassle portability, check out these high quality bikes at redbike.

PEDEGO

Electric assist bikes are becoming very popular for those with a longer city commute, or those with challenging hills between residence and work. The exclusive choice at redbike is PEDEGO which is a contraction of pedal/electric/go. These bikes offer three choices of motive power: pedal the 7 speed Shimano shifter, just use the electric motor, or several combinations of pedal and electric power. This design seems to be helpful for those with health issues like arthritis or some loss of muscle power. Now, many such individuals can enjoy cycling

again with their friends without difficulty keeping up, or discomfort the day after the ride. Typical range depending on battery size, is as high as 80 km before the next charge.

Fat tire bikes

These are wonderfully engineered fun machines with larger diameter wheels and sizable balloon tires. This design helps to provide better adhesion to the trail surface, more control for the rider, and enhanced shock absorption. There are four styles with the following names: Comfort, Interceptor, Trail Breaker, and City Commuter. Many of our riders will want to take these for a test ride before their present bike needs to be replaced.

General Philosophy of redbike

Cliff Vallentgoed, redbike manager, explained that their focus has been to expand the selection of mid range bicycles. He has noticed customer movement toward commuting by cycling, and greener recreational intentions. “redbike” wants to be your provider of choice, for a new bike, mechanical service, clothing, safety equipment and cycling gifts for your friends and family.

redbike West of High Level Diner10918 - 88 Avenue NWEdmonton, AB T2G 0Z1780 435 2674


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RMSSC Golf Schedule for 2013All Rocky Mountain Senior Golfers

And Friends

Annual Golf Tournament atMontgomery Glen Golf Club

WetaskiwinWednesday, Sep. 18, 2013 - 8:30 AM

Shotgun Start

Your day includes:Buffett Breakfast

18 holes Texas Scramble golf Shared power cart.Raffle and prizes

A 8 oz. steak dinner with all the trimmings.Great Fellowship! Friends welcome!

Be among the first 72 entries. Entry deadline is 21 August.

Please keep in mind that we are always looking for prize donations.

Art Switner Tournament Coordinator

Date Golf Course First TeeJune 3 Sherwood Park 10:00 a.m.

June 10 JR’s 11:00 a.m.

June 17 Pioneer Meadows 10:00 a.m.

June 24 Deer Meadows 10:00 a.m.

July 8 Sherwood Park 10:00 a.m.

July 15 JR’s 11:00 a.m.

July 22 Pioneer Meadows 10:00 a.m.

July 29 Deer Meadows 10:00 a.m.

August 12 JR’s 11:00 a.m.

August 19 Pioneer Meadows 10:00 a.m.

August 26 Deer Meadows 10:00 a.m.

September 9 JR’s 11:00 a.m.

September 16 Pioneer Meadows 10:00 a.m.

Marmot Ski Resort is now selling season passes for the 2013/2014 season. All the prices and information can be found on their website: www.skimarmot.com. But what is the best deal? Here are some of the options. (Please remember that all prices are plus GST.)

If you are or will be 65 years of age or more, the following applies. Complete season - $575 There is no financial advantage given to purchasing a Mon.-Fri. pass. Mini-midweek - $419. (Tues. thru Thurs.)

If you are or will be between 55 and 64 years of age, the following applies: Annual pass - $815; Mid-week $575. (Mon. thru Fri.) Mini-midweek $419. (Tues. thru Thurs.)!The first deadline for season passes passes is June 30. All prices increase significantly at that point. Go to www.skimarmot.com

If you are 80 years or better, ski FREE at Marmot, just bring ID.

E-mail Addresses Contacts

[email protected] Brian McClelland

[email protected] Douglas Knight

[email protected] Mike Tansey

[email protected] Magdalena Kirchen

[email protected] Jim Vine

[email protected] Anke Seifried

[email protected] George Fitzsimmons

[email protected] Harold Knopke

[email protected] Donna Vine and JoAnn Grand

[email protected] Doug Knight, Shirley Powell

[email protected] Barb Fowler and Joan Stirling

[email protected] Gordon Hollis

To Contact our Club Executive:

http://www.skimarmot.com





























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Report on the Sunshine Village II Spring Tour, April 7-10

On Sunday April 7, 19 tour participants made their way to Sunshine Lodge. We met in the Chimney Lodge for the customary first evening get-together. Lodge staff were there to greet us. Tales of ski tours taken so far this season were exchanged and plans for Monday's skiing were made while nibbling away on the delectable snack platters which were provided compliments of the Tour. Monday morning fresh snow awaited us and we took full advantage of the groomed runs and natural mountain terrain before the Gondola delivered the regular Monday crowd from the parking lot below. That "crowd" did not amount to much and we had no line-ups at the lifts. Even the snowboarders were few and far between. Ducking in for a coffee break and then reassembling for lunch provided time for comparing notes. Members were cruising along with great enthusiasm throughout the day.

The snow was quite lovely, soft but not too deep and, on the whole, the visibility was good. Goat's Eye was on the agenda for the afternoon and was a tad fickle for visibility, depending on what time you went up. This was to be expected as the forecast was for a mix of sun and cloud. All 19 of us congregated in the Chimney Corner that evening for dinner a la carte, where the Bison steak with lobster tail was on special and was served along with regular and very popular fare. Photos from past trips refreshed memories and good stories were told.

Tuesday morning, we woke up to a beautiful blue sky, which was much appreciated by all. New and seasoned members mixed and mingled, showing each other the best runs off each chair. Some synchro moves were observed under the leadership and direction of John Ross. The universal verdict was that this was a great group who enjoyed a wonderful hill, fine snow, good temperature and sunshine. Skiing was followed by a hot tub session, where we admired the "emergency" beer panic button. It works! Drinks can be ordered and will promptly appear poolside. In the evening, dinner was the focal point for collecting the Tour participants for further analysis of the mountain runs.

Carl outlined the checkout routine and noted the group's determination to keep our Sunshine 2 Spring Ski Tour for the 2013 - 2014 ski season . It is so popular that two current participants volunteered to host it. Details will be forwarded as appropriate. Some of us feel that one of the strong recommendations that Sunshine has to offer is the balance of trails the hill offers with 25% of the trails being green, 50% blue, and 25% black.

One of the benefits of a smaller tour was that we were all able to eat together at all three evening meals. There was a strong feeling of togetherness. This also encouraged different combinations of ski partners.

On Wednesday, the group kept to their individual schedules. Some took the ski-out in the morning to get a good start for the drive home. Others skied to the last possible minute and then made their way directly to Edmonton or just to Calgary for the night.

Overall it was a great tour!

Submitted by Anke Seifried and Carl Ulrich

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Rocky Mountain Seniors Ski Club2013 Golf Tournament Registration FormMontgomery Glen Golf Club (Wetaskiwin)

September 18, 2013

Name 18 hole score Fee Total

1. $70.00 $

2. $70.00 $

3. Dinner only $15.00 $

Cheque enclosed for.. Cheque enclosed for.. Cheque enclosed for.. $

Please be honest when submitting your score.If you provide your email address, you will be sent information by email. Otherwise please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope with your entry form.Email address

Make cheques payable to Rocky Mountain Seniors Ski Club and mail not later than August 15, 2013 to:

Art Switner $70.00 includes a full buffet breakfastTournament Coordinator 18 holes of golf with a shared power cart17 Forest Drive Steak Bar B Q and prizesSt Albert, AlbertaT8N 1X1

Exclusion of Liability and ReleaseBy signing this form I/we assume all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever including, but not limited to the inherent risks of golfing. I/We release and waive all claims for all possible causes of action including, but not limited to, negligence, breach of duty, breach of contract, against Rocky Mountain Seniors Ski Club, their officers, organizers, participants or sponsors.

Participant(s) Signature(s):

1. _______________________. 2. _______________________.

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